Otolaryngology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, head and neck disorders. Otolaryngologists, or ENTs, are physicians specializing in treating these disorders.
ENTs treat the illness that sends children to the doctor most often – the ear infection. They also treat disorders such as tonsillitis, nose bleeds, sinus infections and hearing problems.
Virtua's ENTs perform a variety of tests to diagnose ENT disorders. Those tests include but are not limited to:
- Allergy testing
- Facial nerve testing
- Hearing evaluation and rehabilitation
- Smell and taste testing
- Speech and language evaluation
For children who may have difficulty with speech or language, Virtua offers speech therapy by a certified speech pathologist. Speech therapy services include:
- Planning and providing a comprehensive speech program
- Evaluating language disorders
- Instructing family and in matters of speech and language
- Discussing the course of appropriate therapy
- Treating swallowing disorders
Virtua otolaryngology (ENT) surgeons specialize in minimally invasive procedures. Those procedures include:
- Adenoid removal
- Aethetic plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Diagnostic bronchoscopy
- Ear drum repair (tympanoplasty)
- Ear surgery
- Ear tube insertion
- Endoscopic sinus surgery
- Laryngoscopy
- Mastoidectomy
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Nose surgery
- Parathyroid surgery/removal
- Pituitary and salivary gland surgery
- Thyroid biopsy and removal
- Thyroid gland removal
- Tonsil removal
For children who are experiencing developmental delays due to hearing and speech difficulties, Virtua provides an Early Intervention Program (EIP). The program provides specialists such as physical, speech and occupational therapists and social workers to help children from birth to 3 years to get back on track developmentally.
EIP, partly funded by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, provides:
- Two hours of service per week at no cost to the family
- Services without a physical referral
- In-home evaluation
- Help to children that exhibit a 33 percent delay in one area or a 25 percent delay in two areas
- Individualized treatment based on the child's needs and the family's goals
- Assistance accessing services through schools and community professionals
To learn more about the EIP at Virtua Memorial or to locate and EIP in other surrounding communities, call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 (1-888-847-8823) or call the Burlington County Special Child Health Services Department at (609) 267-1952.